Maracana can be used in second half of 2013

Rio de Janeiro: The Maracana Stadium should be free for use by domestic Brazilian football after the FIFA Confederations Cup in June next year.

Rio de Janeiro clubs Flamengo and Fluminense are both accustomed to playing home matches in the iconic arena but have been shifted temporarily to Botafogo`s Engenhao Stadium whilst renovation works are carried out, reports Xinhua.

Construction is due to be finished in March 2013 but FIFA, world football`s governing body, have stipulated that no matches are to take place at the Maracana prior to the Confederations Cup, which lasts from June 15th-30th.

Fluminense president Peter Siemsen however is determined to move his club back to their rightful home at the earliest.

"Our focus now is to resolve the issue of the Maracana. We hope that it will be possible to use the stadium during the second half of the year (2013)," he said.

In the two years since the Maracana has been closed, attendances have suffered dramatically. With the return of one of the world`s most famous sporting seats, it is hoped fans will come flocking back.